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The States Parties to the present Convention,
Noting that the Charter of the United Nations reaffirms faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and
in the equal rights of man and women,
Noting that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the principle
of the inadmissibility of discrimination and proclaims that all human
beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is
entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without
distinction of any kind, including distinction based on sex,
Noting that the States Parties to the International Covenants on Human
Rights have the obligation to ensure the equal right of men and women to
enjoy all economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights,
Considering the international conventions concluded under the auspices of
the United Nations and the specialized agencies promoting equality of
rights of men and women,
Noting also the resolutions, declarations and recommendations adopted by
the United Nations and the specialized agencies promoting equality of
rights of men and women,
Concerned, however, that despite these various instruments extensive
discrimination against women continues to exist,
Recalling that discrimination against women violates the principles of
equality of rights and respect for human dignity, is an obstacle to the
participation of women, on equal terms with men, in the political, social,
economic and cultural life of their countries, hampers the growth of the
prosperity of society and the family and makes more difficult the full
development of the potentialities of women in the service of their
countries and of humanity,
Concerned that in situations of poverty women have the least access to
food, health, education, training and opportunities for employment and
other needs,
Convinced that the establishment of the new international economic order
based on equity and justice will contribute significantly towards the
promotion of equality between men and women,
Emphasizing that the eradication of apartheid, of all forms of racism,
racial discrimination, colonialism, neo-colonialism, aggression, foreign
occupation and domination and interference in the internal affairs of States is essential to the full enjoyment of the rights of men and women,
Affirming that the strengthening of international peace and security,
relaxation of international tension, mutual co-operation among all States
irrespective of their social and economic systems, general and complete
disarmament, and in particular nuclear disarmament under strict and
effective international control, the affirmation of the principles of
justice, equality and mutual benefit in relations among countries and the
realization of the right of peoples under alien and colonial domination and
foreign occupation to self-determination and independence, as well as
respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, will promote
social progress and development and as a consequence will contribute to the
attainment of full equality between men and women,
Convinced that the full and complete development of a country, the welfare
of the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation of
women on equal terms with men in all fields,
Bearing in mind the great contribution of women to the welfare of the
family and to the development of society, so far not fully recognized, the
social significance of maternity and the role of both parents in the family
and in the upbringing of children, and aware that the role of women in
procreation should not be a basis for discrimination but that the
upbringing of children requires a sharing of responsibility between men and
women and society as a whole,
Aware that a change in the traditional role of men as well as the role of
women in society and in the family is needed to achieve full equality
between men and women,
Determined to implement the principles set forth in the Declaration on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women and, for that purpose, to adopt
the measures required for the elimination of such discrimination in all its
forms and manifestations,
Have agreed on the following:
Article 11.
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The right to social security, particularly in cases of retirement,
unemployment, sickness, invalidity and old age and other incapacity
to work, as well as the right to paid leave;
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The right to protection of health and to safety in working
conditions, including the safeguarding of the function of
reproduction.
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In order to prevent discrimination against women on the grounds of
marriage or maternity and to ensure their effective right to work, States
Parties shall take appropriate measures:
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To prohibit, subject to the imposition of sanctions, dismissal on the
grounds of pregnancy or of maternity leave and discrimination in
dismissals on the basis of marital status;
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To introduce maternity leave with pay or with comparable social
benefits without loss of former employment, seniority or social
allowances;
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To encourage the provision of the necessary supporting social
services to enable parents to combine family obligations with work
responsibilities and participation in public life, in particular
through promoting the establishment and development of a network of
child-care facilities;
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To provide special protection to women during pregnancy in types of
work proved to be harmful to them.
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Protective legislation relating to matters covered in this article shall
be reviewed periodically in the light of scientific and technological
knowledge and shall be revised, repealed or extended as necessary.
Article 12
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to
eliminate discrimination against women in the field of health care in order
to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women, access to health care
services, including those related to family planning.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this article, States
Parties shall ensure to women appropriate services in connexion with
pregnancy, confinement and the post-natal period, granting free services
where necessary, as well as adequate nutrition during pregnancy and
lactation.
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